Nourish yourself
As mamas, we often put the health and wellbeing of everyone else before our own. The fourth trimester is a golden time to nourish yourself minus the guilt, as the act of nourishing you will in turn nourish baby. Eating a well-balanced nutrient-rich diet with an emphasis on wholefoods is absolutely critical. This is not a time to count calories or to fill your plate with fast food options. If this process seems a little overwhelming, use the last few weeks of pregnancy to fill your freezer with your favourite nourishing meals or alternatively, organise some healthy choices through a meal delivery service.
For friends and family that are feeling unsure of what to bring when they meet baby for the first time, don’t discount a home-cooked meal. The simple act of bringing a homemade soup can mean more to a new mama than you will know. Soups are a great option as they are easily digestible and you can include a variety of vegetables in them.
For friends and family that are feeling unsure of what to bring when they meet baby for the first time, don’t discount a home-cooked meal. The simple act of bringing a homemade soup can mean more to a new mama than you will know.
It takes a village
Mamas, if you are struggling or feeling overwhelmed, please reach out to your support network. I understand admitting that you need help can be quite daunting, but you don’t need to go it alone. If your friends and family are offering to help you and their offer will take a load off your shoulders, let them.
Friends and family, never underestimate how simple things such as doing a mama’s dishes or offering to hold baby whilst mama showers may mean to a mama. If you are visiting a new mama and are comfortable enough to do something small to help her out, please do so. It may only take you five minutes, but it may have been something that a mama has been trying to do all day.
Angelica-Hazel is an Endeavour College Alumni and degree qualified nutritionist at Natural Health by Angelica-Hazel. She is also the owner of an organic tea brand called Saha Botanica and a mama of two.
Having completed post graduate training in Natural Fertility Education as well as becoming a MINDD practitioner, she has a special interest in all aspects of women’s health and paediatric nutrition. She is currently completing her Masters in Reproductive Medicine and specialises in supporting women from preconception to postpartum.
Alongside working in clinical practice, Angelica-Hazel runs workshops, hosts health retreats and writes feature articles on wellbeing and sustainability for a range of online publications and businesses.
